Kipnis lined a 1-0 pitch from Brandon Kintzler (0-1) with one out to left-center to finally break up the scoreless game.

Zach McAllister (3-2) worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the 10th, retiring Max Kepler on a fly ball to end the inning.

The losing streak is Minnesota’s longest since Sept. 9-21, 2011.

ASTROS 6, ATHLETICS 0: Jose Altuve homered, Joe Musgrove and three relievers combined on a four-hitter for a win at Houston.

Musgrove (2-2) struck out seven, walked three and allowed three hits over 51/3 innings, and then Luke Gregerson, Pat Neshek and Brad Peacock closed things out. Musgrove had allowed 13 runs over his last two starts.

Houston closed within two games of the second AL wild card with the win and Baltimore’s loss.

ROYALS 8, YANKEES 5: Dillon Gee kept the Royals’ momentum going with six sharp innings and Alcides Escobar hit a three-run homer as Kansas City won the opener of a three-game set.

Gee (6-7) allowed only four hits and a run in the latest impressive start by the Royals’ staff, helping the reigning World Series champions win for the 18th time in 22 games.

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